In short: the Buddha's courage was quiet and steady: he met fear "just as it comes, while remaining just as I am" (MN 4), and taught being unmoved by praise and blame "as the wind cannot stir a solid mass of rock" (Dhammapada 81). Here are four genuine quotes, each with its source.
1. MN 4
"Why don't I get rid of that fear and dread just as it comes, while remaining just as I am?"
MN 4 · More
2. Dhammapada 81
"As the wind cannot stir a solid mass of rock, so too blame and praise do not affect the wise."
Dhammapada 81 · More
3. Dhammapada 103
"The supreme conqueror is not he who conquers a million men in battle, but he who conquers a single man: himself."
Dhammapada 103
4. SN 6.14
"Rouse yourselves! Try harder!"
The opening of a verse often recited before practice.
SN 6.14
All quotes are from the early Buddhist texts in Bhikkhu Sujato's translation on SuttaCentral, copied exactly. Last checked: 18 October 2026.
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Questions people ask
What did the Buddha say about courage?
He taught facing fear directly: 'Why don't I get rid of that fear and dread just as it comes, while remaining just as I am?' (MN 4).